News from Ward 5 (Feb 23, 2024)

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February 23, 2024

Right Track Youth Jobs - Apply by Feb 29

Right Track at City Council


Our Ward 5 City Council Office will be hiring a Right Track intern again this summer. If you are interested, make sure to apply by February 29th!

Right Track provides paid summer internships for Saint Paul youth ages 14-21 who are from cost burdened households or have a barrier to employment. Right Track internships begin in June and run 6 to 9 weeks, depending on the position. Apply for Right Track online through February 29, 2024.


Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Upcoming Programs

Orchid Odyssey program


Adult program, Orchid Odyssey
Learn about Como's orchid collection, meet a gardener that cares for orchids, and get a behind-the-scenes look at our exclusive orchid house! February 25th, 8:30 am-10:00 am. Cost is $25 per person. 

Camp Como is back: 2024 camp offerings are now listed on our website. Scholarships are available. Check them out now to help plan your summer. Registration will open soon so stay tuned for that announcement!

School programs: School programs are now being offered for PreK-6th grade. These programs are offered at Como or your school! Bus scholarships are available when booking a program at Como.


Opportunity for Public Comment: Rulemaking Engagement Survey

office of cannabis management


The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is seeking your input! Their seventh public input survey is now available. This survey, which is the final survey associated with OCM's initial rulemaking engagement, will concentrate on medical cannabis and the patient registry program. Deadline to provide input is Feb. 26.

This input will be used in drafting rules for the new cannabis industry in Minnesota. As part of the first phase of rulemaking engagement, OCM will gather input through surveys on a variety of topics as the agency begins drafting rules to ensure the rulemaking process is accessible to the widest possible range of community members, advocates, and partners who want to help shape how the rules are drafted.

More information https://cannabis.mn.gov/rulemaking.html


FLEX Basketball Camp: free for ages 7-18

FLEX Basketball Camp


This spring, St Paul Parks & Recreation is offering a very special FREE basketball clinic for girls and female-identifying individuals ages 7-18. In partnership with HealthPartners and Penumbra Theatre Company, this three Saturday clinic will focus on health, nutrition, and basketball skills and drills. Each week builds on the previous week's class, sharpening participant's skill set as a competitive basketball player. Visits from surprise guests will activate opportunities for sports, artistry, activism, and healing. All skill levels are welcome! Registration is required. Then on May 5, participants 14 years and older* (under 14 with parent approval) are invited to attend a performance of “Flex”. Transportation will be provided from Jimmy Lee to Penumbra Theatre and back. 

Youth Spring Sports registration for volleyball and futsal is also open. Registration is FREE for ages 9 and up! Please note that fees apply for ages 4U, 6U and 8U.


Winter Warming Spaces

winter warming spaces


Ramsey County winter warming spaces for those experiencing homelessness. Locations will be open every night from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. through the end of March 2024.

The free shuttle service will run from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. each day. Ramsey County housing services and support staff will also be answering calls and emails from 9 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. to help refer people to available warming spaces or extra shelter beds.

Contact Us

Ward5@ci.stpaul.mn.us 

651-266-8650

Schedule a Lake Lap

Ward 5 residents are invited to meet your councilmember while walking a lap around Lake Como. Email or call the Ward 5 office to schedule.


Tax Assistance

tax assistance


Do you need help with your taxes this year?

Prepare + Prosper offers free tax preparation, financial coaching, and helps people obtain banking access. Tax preparation is done by IRS-certified volunteers. 

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides free tax assistance with several preparation options now through April 15. 


Winter Monitoring at Como Lake

Capitol Region Watershed District


Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) began monitoring Como Lake in the winter months about five years ago when the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency added it to the impaired waters list for excess chloride levels. Gathering data year-round at Como Lake gives us a better picture of what is happening within the lake. CRWD’s staff collect winter monitoring data every two weeks at three locations in Como Lake. 

You can read more about winter monitoring at Como Lake here on CRWD's website.


Energy Assistance

energy assistance


Minnesota's Energy Assistance Program helps to pay those energy and water bills. You may apply online or in person.

You can also apply through the Community Action Partnership of Ramsey & Washington Counties (CAPRW) website. The CAPRW site lists the St. Paul location, hours, and phone number to call for questions.


Winter Parks & Rec Programs

Snowy Owl


Natural Resources 

Ice Rinks

Visit the ice rinks webpage for a list of locations and hours. Most ice rinks are now open! Sites may host hockey games, practices, broomball, or other activities on the rinks, so please contact the recreation center to confirm open skating hours.

Special Events